Beautiful Sitka
Dear Editor: Your town is beautiful. Every turn is like a new postcard. I would love to visit it again.
Angela Gril, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dedicated Candidate
Dear Editor: It’s rare that I consider writing in support of a political candidate, but it’s even rarer that I look toward an election with hope for the future. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is a young man with dedication, intelligence and determination to work hard and make a difference. He has spent months knocking on doors all throughout District 34, which is a feat in itself, but more importantly, he has been listening to our opinions, concerns and needs. Jonathan listens and then he gets to work finding ways to address those needs.
Bill Thomas has been in a position of economic power, but it seems the oil companies have been the ones to benefit. Earlier this year, Thomas voted for HB 9, which provides Alaska Gasline Development Corp. with the power of eminent domain, prohibits the Regulatory Commission of Alaska from requiring rates or tariffs not specified in that bill, and exempts property of the AGDC from state and local taxes. Thomas also voted (twice) for HB 110, the $2 billion giveaway to oil companies. Thomas’s voting record may be beneficial to the oil companies, but it’s not beneficial for the people of Southeast Alaska. Approving free tickets for people to fly to Anchorage to watch basketball. Really?
I want to see what Jonathan does to help us reinvigorate Southeast Alaska. I’ve seen him do a phenomenal job of motivating people for the good of the community and I have no reason to think that he will be less successful once elected.
Pat Kehoe, Sitka
Re-Elect Thomas
Dear Editor: As reapportionment reduces the number of elected officials Southeast Alaska has in the Legislature, it is important that the individuals we send to Juneau maintain a strong voice in the legislative process. As co-chair of the House Finance committee bill Thomas has proven that he repeatedly looks out for the interest of Southeast Alaska in the policymaking process.
Bill Thomas is a friend to Southeast Alaska and as the co-chair of the House Finance committee he has proven his worth over and over again. I’m hopeful the voters of his district will see the value of returning Rep. Thomas to the Legislature so that he can continue to work for all of us in the Southeast region.
Lew Williams III, Mayor,
City of Ketchikan
Pie Sale Support
Dear Editor: What a pie sale! Women of Sitka Lutheran Church are in awe at the support from the public on Alaska Day. We want to thank the makers/donators of the pies and desserts, the workers setting up, serving, cleaning up, and the customers. The funds will be used to further the missions of Sitka WELCA. Thank you and God bless.
Kathleen C. Brandt,
Women of Sitka Lutheran Church
Fuzzy Math
Dear Editor: Did you know that there are 61 million children around the world without access to quality basic education? Education is powerful. Access to quality education has been shown to increase child and maternal health, agricultural production and decrease internal country conflict. All that by educating a child. In 2010 the World Bank made a promise to increase funding for basic education by $750 million over the next five years. However, they are using fuzzy math to decrease the amount of funding they claim to have pledged.
We are urging the World Bank to stand by its original 2010 pledge – to increase its basic education funding by$750 million starting with the 2010 funding level.
Sitka RESULTS,
Michele Friedman, Krisanne Rice,
Patty and Scott Harris,
Bitsy Mosher, Brenda Campen,
Marie and John Murray,
Jennifer McNichol, Tiffany Bryner,
Cynthia Dennis, Nancy Knapp,
Liz Will, Tess Ramsey,
Linda Strong and Kari Sagel
Vote Kreiss-Tomkins
Dear Editor: I am excited by one candidate this election: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, who is running for State House.
Jonathan offers unbound energy and intelligence and great people skills. While studying public policy at Yale University, he organized a group of 20 summer volunteers for projects here and also launched the Sitka Fellows Program, which brings promising young artists, businesspeople, and researchers to Sitka. Jonathan is a man of ideas, common sense, and action – a wonderful, much-needed combination.
I also believe Jonathan is the best person to understand the complex issues of our changing health care system. He is the best choice to protect this important part of our local economy while looking out for the people of our district and for all Alaskans, who expect and deserve good health care.
To me, Jonathan represents the bright future we have in front of us. I urge you to vote for Sitka’s own — Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
Robert Hunter, M.D., Sitka
